Sultan, Alaafin: re-introduce history in schools

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, have called for the re-introduction of history in the nation’s educational curriculum.

They spoke yesterday during the Sultan’s visit to the Alaafin in his palace.

The monarchs said the Federal Government’s decision to remove history from the nation’s curriculum is wrong and uncalled for.

The Sultan said: “I advise that we look back in history. How can we know who we are without history? It is important for the Federal Government to have a rethink and bring back history in the educational curriculum. By so doing, our children will know the important aspects of our history, such as the Sokotro Caliphate and the Oyo Empire.

“Before Nigeria came into being, there had been Oyo Empire and Sokoto Caliphate. Our people made up the present Nigeria. God did not make a mistake by bringing us together. It is left for us to strengthen Nigeria’s unity through good leadership.

“We need to look back into history to effectively plan the future of this country. The future is very bright, but we must do everything with the fear of the Almighty Allah, who gives power to whom he is pleased.”

On his visit to Oyo, the Sultan said: “When you plan certain things, they do not materialise at the time you expect. Our visit today will strengthen our relationship. We planned this visit a long time ago.

Oba Adeyemi said: “If we do not know history, we do not know ourselves. This is the first time the Sultan will be visiting Oyo officially. In 1922, the Sultan and I represented traditional rulers at the Macpherson Constitution. The cancellation of history in schools is a disaster to cultural identity. It would alienate the people from their history.”